The All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended Rauf Aregbesola, former Minister of Interior and ex-Governor of Osun State, for alleged anti-party activities and public criticisms against key party figures, including President Bola Tinubu and former APC Interim Chairman Chief Bisi Akande.
The decision follows accusations of Aregbesola’s involvement in opposition efforts during the 2022 Osun governorship election and 2023 general elections, as well as his strained relationship with his successor, Gboyega Oyetola.
The suspension was issued by the APC Ward 8 leadership in Ifofin, Ilesa—Aregbesola’s hometown—following an investigation by a disciplinary committee.
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According to a letter dated October 24, 2024, from Comrade Waheed Adediran, Secretary of the State Disciplinary Committee, Aregbesola faces suspension on six counts, including his creation of splinter groups, public criticism of party leadership, and failure to participate in state party activities since 2019.
The letter, addressed to APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, cited multiple alleged offenses.
These include factionalizing the party by establishing the “Omoluabi Caucus,” creating parallel party structures, collaborating with opposition parties, and making divisive remarks at the Ataoja’s Palace in Osogbo earlier this year.
The letter stated, “The State Executive Committee, by the powers vested in it by Article 21(3)(vi)(c) of the party’s Constitution, hereby suspends Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from the party pending the outcome of an investigation.”
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In 2022, Aregbesola drew criticism after openly declaring his wish for divine intervention against the party’s leadership, including Tinubu and Akande.
His comments intensified tensions within the APC, especially amid his support for opposition forces in Osun State’s last governorship election.
The disciplinary committee, led by Osun APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal and Secretary Alao Kamoru, noted that Aregbesola would be given an opportunity to respond to the charges before the suspension is finalized.